CE speaks on the investigation report on the hostage-taking incident in Manila (with video)

CE speaks on the investigation report on the hostage-taking incident in Manila (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session prior to the National Day reception organised by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Central this evening (September 17):

     I've learned from the media that the special committee investigating the Manila tragedy has submitted its report to the President (of the Philippines). I have not seen the report yet and it is too premature for me to comment on the report.

     You all know that about three weeks ago I wrote to the President of the Philippnes, asking him to undertake a thorough investigation into this matter. Our intention is we must get to the bottom of this and we must account for it to the Hong Kong people, and particularly to those who died, the families who have suffered a loss and those who are seriously injured. And we will scrutinise the outcome of this investigation, particularly the conclusions which the Philippine authorities will make on this matter.

     Our police officers, at the behest of the Coroner, have gone to the Philippines to collect evidence on several occasions. They have also observed the public hearings of the inquiry. They are in the process of sorting out the evidence collected. They will make a report to the Coroner and it will be up to the Coroner to decide whether a hearing will be conducted in Hong Kong.

     This tragedy has left eight Hong Kong people dead and seven Hong Kong people seriously injured. It has left a very deep wound in the community, and we hope that the authorities in the Philippines have learned a lesson (and) make certain they  take remedial action, and particularly help Hong Kong people regain their confidence in their safety while travelling, doing business or as tourists in the Philippines.

     Meanwhile, we must look after the funerals of the dead and look after the recovery of those injured, and we hope to do our very best to make sure that they will regain their normal life as soon as possible.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, September 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:05

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